Formula One's first black driver to take his place on grid

Lewis Hamilton with his GP2 trophy, his debut as a McLaren-Mercedes test driver at Silverstone is expected next week

By Kevin Garside and Nick Britten

12:01AM BST 12 Sep 2006

A young Briton is poised to become Formula One's first black driver, defying one of sport's most powerful racial stereotypes.

Lewis Hamilton, 21, was crowned champion of the sport's feeder series last weekend.

He will meet senior officials at the leading constructor McLaren-Mercedes today to discuss his introduction to grand prix racing.

Hamilton, one of the sport's rising stars, said a seat with McLaren-Mercedes, possibly as a partner to the 2005 world champion Fernando Alonso, would be the "ultimate challenge".

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However, his appointment will mean so much more than the arrival of another hot-shot.

Hamilton, of Tewin, Herts, remains phlegmatic about bearing such weight on his shoulders.

"The way I see it, my colour is an advantage in that it's something people talk about," he said.

"Being the first black man doesn't matter much to me personally, but for the sport itself it probably means quite a lot."

Hamilton's father, Anthony, who built up a successful IT consultancy firm in London, is the son of an immigrant from the Caribbean island of Trinidad.

He noted that his son had a fascination for cars from a very early age. By the time he was six, Hamilton's driving was so good it earned him a spot on Blue Peter – albeit with a remote controlled car.

He soon progressed to kart racing, where he proved an outstanding talent. Noting his potential, Hamilton Snr, who worked for British Rail, took a second job to fund his son's passion.

His son first caught the eye of McLaren-Mercedes when he was only 11 years old. At an awards ceremony, he walked up to Ron Dennis, then McLaren-Mercedes team principal, and introduced himself, first asking for an autograph and then for a drive.

Dennis wrote down his telephone number and told Hamilton to ring him in nine years. But he didn't have to wait that long.

Hamilton, who grew up in Stevenage, Herts, won race after race, including the European junior karting competition. It took only three years for the company to get back in touch, offering him a place on their Junior Driver Scheme.

He went on to become champion in every racing category contested, including British Formula Ford and European F3. On Saturday, he became champion of the GP2 series — one step below Formula One — opening the door to grand prix driving.

Hamilton's appointment is a timely public relations boon, even though his driving record should defuse any potential mischief makers.

Dennis, the McLaren-Mercedes chairman, said he accepted that Hamilton's colour gave him unique appeal.

But he said: "Ethnicity is irrelevant. Exploitation of that part of his make-up is a no-no. There are people who want him to be the Tiger Woods of motor racing but no one in our organisation thinks that way."

Formula One bosses will privately be hoping that Hamilton will help to expand the appeal of a sport which has often been branded elitist.

Bernie Ecclestone, the sport's commercial rights holder, has made no secret of his desire to see Hamilton on the grid next season.

Hamilton is expected to make his debut as a McLaren-Mercedes test driver at Silverstone next week. He will then return for more intensive assimilation in November when Formula One prepares for next season.